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Digital Well-Being at Roanoke

Digital Well-Being is the practice of using technology in ways that enhance, rather than hinder, our overall health, relationships, and personal growth. Digital Wellness is viewed as a spectrum, with digital flourishing at its peak—where devices support goals, focus, and connections without overwhelming or distracting us. It’s about maximizing the benefits of technology while minimizing its negative impacts, so students can be more present, productive, and intentional in their daily lives. Through education, reflection, and mindful habits, Digital Well-Being empowers individuals to align their tech use with their values and thrive both online and offline.

Each week, we offer fun and practical digital wellness challenges designed to help you build healthier habits with technology. These challenges give you a chance to reflect, reset, and reconnect—whether it’s through mindful screen use, digital decluttering, or intentional social media engagement. We promote each challenge on our Instagram (@maroonwellness), but you’ll also find them posted here so you can follow along and participate anytime. It’s a simple way to stay engaged, support your well-being, and explore what digital balance looks like for you.

Submit your reflections below to enter our Digital Well-Being Challenge

Challenge Reflection Submissions

Digital Well-Being Challenges

DWB Challenge 1: Spend 20 minutes away from your phone and hang out with friends

Take a 20-minute break from your phone and spend that time fully present with friends. Whether you're grabbing coffee, taking a walk, or just chatting in your room, the goal is to enjoy uninterrupted connection—no scrolling, texting, or checking notifications. Before you start, silence or put away your device completely. Notice how the conversation flows, how you feel, and what it's like to be fully engaged without digital distractions. Afterward, reflect on the experience: Did anything feel different? Was it harder or easier than you expected? This challenge is all about rediscovering the joy of real-time connection.

DWB Challenge 2: For one day this week, use your phone solely as a tool, not for entertainment.

For one full day this week, challenge yourself to use your phone only as a tool—not for entertainment. That means no social media scrolling, streaming videos, gaming, or mindless browsing. Instead, use it intentionally: check your calendar, send necessary messages, look up directions, or set reminders. To make it easier, consider turning off notifications from entertainment apps or moving them off your home screen for the day. At the end of the day, reflect on how it felt—were you more focused, less distracted, or maybe even a little bored? That’s okay! This challenge is about noticing your habits and reclaiming your attention.

DWB Challenge 3: Check out a JoMo Box from the Colket Info Desk.

This week, take a break from the digital noise and check out a JOMO Box from the front desk of Colket. Each box is filled with screen-free activities and includes question cards designed to spark meaningful conversations and help students learn more about their fellow Maroons. Whether you're diving into a puzzle, journaling, or connecting through thoughtful prompts, the goal is to experience the joy of missing out—stepping away from your phone and being fully present. Afterward, reflect on how it felt to unplug and engage. Did you discover something new about someone—or even yourself? Let the quiet moments do the talking.

DWB Challenge 4: Embrace the Awkward: Have a conversation with a stranger.

This week, step outside your comfort zone and spark a conversation with someone you don’t know. It could be a classmate you’ve never spoken to, someone in line at the dining hall, or a fellow Maroon you pass on campus. The goal isn’t to have a deep or perfect conversation—it’s simply to practice being open, curious, and present. Start with a friendly question or compliment, and let the moment unfold naturally. It might feel awkward at first (that’s part of the challenge!), but you may be surprised by how refreshing and human it feels to connect. Afterward, reflect: What did you learn? How did it feel to initiate? Did it shift your perspective on social interaction? Awkwardness is often just the beginning of something meaningful.